Berlin on Wednesday slashed its growth forecast for 2019, saying it now expects only 1.0 percent expansion for the German economy compared with 1.8 percent previously.

File photos: VCG

After growth of 2.2 percent in 2017 and 1.5 percent last year, Economy Minister Peter Altmaier predicted a slowdown "largely due to the international environment" where an uncertain Brexit outcome, trade conflicts -- especially with the United States -- and tax competition are weighing on the country's prospects.